Persistent Eye Discomfort After Childhood Injury: Seeking Solutions

Q: Persistent Eye Discomfort After Childhood Injury: Seeking Solutions

Hello, Ruijie： It is unlikely that there is a foreign body trapped inside. <br>The primary cause may be trachoma, which can lead to scarring of the conjunctiva, making it easy to develop conjunctival concretions and a sensation of foreign body in the eye. <br>The cornea can also

Doctor, when I was in elementary school, I was hit in the eye socket by a stone, and ever since then, I have occasionally felt a foreign body sensation in my eye as I grew up?

Doctor, I was hit in the left eye socket by a stone when I was in the 4th grade, and I had stitches.
In the 5th grade, I had an infection from swimming that resulted in conjunctivitis.
Since I was 16, I have been experiencing a sensation of foreign body in my eye, primarily on the upper conjunctiva, which seems to move around—sometimes it feels like it's at the inner corner of my eye and other times at the outer corner.
Could this be due to the initial injury where the stone was not completely removed, leading to it being encapsulated in the eyelid tissue, causing this sensation? I have seen ophthalmologists dozens of times, and they all say there is no foreign body present.
This sensation comes and goes and makes my eyes very uncomfortable.
Which specialist should I consult to resolve this issue that has been troubling me for over ten years?

Rui Jie, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/06/02

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello, Ruijie: It is unlikely that there is a foreign body trapped inside.
The primary cause may be trachoma, which can lead to scarring of the conjunctiva, making it easy to develop conjunctival concretions and a sensation of foreign body in the eye.
The cornea can also be easily injured, resulting in a similar sensation.
This feeling of a foreign body can only be treated with medications or ointments that help reduce friction, and it requires long-term use.
If there were a foreign body, an ophthalmologist would certainly be able to detect it, so please rest assured.

Ophthalmology at Puzi Hospital, Taiwan e-Hospital: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and Wednesday afternoons from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Online responses can only serve as a reference; if necessary, you should visit a medical facility for treatment.
I hope to have the opportunity to serve you.

Gao Pilin

Reply Date: 2020/06/02

More Info

Persistent eye discomfort following a childhood injury can be a challenging issue to address, especially when it has been ongoing for many years. Based on your description, it seems that your discomfort may stem from a combination of factors related to your past injuries and subsequent infections.
When you were in the fourth grade and sustained an injury to your left eye from a stone, it is possible that there was some damage to the surrounding tissues, including the eyelid and conjunctiva. If there were any foreign particles or debris that were not completely removed during the initial treatment, they could potentially lead to chronic irritation or discomfort. The fact that you experienced an infection (conjunctivitis) later on could have further complicated the healing process and contributed to the persistent sensation of having something in your eye.

The sensation of a foreign body in the eye, especially if it is localized to the conjunctiva, can be caused by several factors, including:
1. Scar Tissue Formation: After an injury, scar tissue can form in the conjunctiva or eyelid, which may lead to abnormal sensations or discomfort.

2. Dry Eye Syndrome: Given your history of eye issues, it is possible that you may also be experiencing dry eye symptoms, which can cause a gritty or scratchy feeling in the eyes.

3. Eyelid Malposition: Sometimes, the eyelids may not close properly due to previous injuries, leading to exposure of the eye surface and causing discomfort.

4. Chronic Inflammation: If there was any residual inflammation from your past injuries or infections, this could lead to ongoing discomfort.

Since you have seen multiple ophthalmologists without a definitive diagnosis or solution, it may be beneficial to seek a second opinion from a specialist in ocular surface disease or a cornea specialist. These professionals are trained to deal with complex cases involving chronic eye discomfort and may be able to provide more targeted treatment options.

In addition to consulting with a cornea specialist, consider the following steps to help manage your symptoms:
- Artificial Tears: Regular use of preservative-free artificial tears can help alleviate dryness and irritation, providing temporary relief from discomfort.

- Warm Compresses: Applying warm compresses to your eyes can help soothe irritation and may assist in unclogging any blocked glands in the eyelids.

- Avoiding Eye Strain: If you spend long hours in front of a computer or engaging in activities that require intense focus, ensure you take regular breaks to reduce eye strain.

- Allergy Management: If you suspect that allergies may be contributing to your symptoms, consider discussing this with your healthcare provider. They may recommend antihistamines or other treatments.

- Follow-Up Care: Keep a record of your symptoms and any changes you notice, and share this information with your healthcare provider during follow-up visits. This can help them better understand your condition and tailor their recommendations accordingly.

In summary, while your past injuries and infections may have contributed to your current symptoms, a thorough evaluation by a specialist in ocular surface disease or cornea may provide you with the answers and relief you seek. Don't hesitate to advocate for your health and seek out the care that addresses your specific concerns.

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